Malshej Ghat |  How to Reach This One-Day Destination From Mumbai?

About Malshej Ghat

Malshej Ghat is the highest motorable mountain pass, situated in the Western Ghats of the Sahyadri range. The Ghat is located 85 km from the Kalyan-Ahmadnagar road in Maharashtra, India. Shimmering waterfalls during the monsoon, foggy weather, and the winding road are distinctive features of Malshej Ghat. Though it is known for its monsoon road trip, it is also famous for its cool climate, akin to Mahabaleshwar. Malshej Ghat is a perfect one-day destination near Mumbai and Pune. It serves not only as a tourist spot but also as a vital connection to the Ahmadnagar district from Mumbai, Thane, and the Kalyan region. The site also supports a variety of flora and fauna, along with colorful birds. Malshej Ghat stands at an elevation of 700 m above sea level.

How to Reach Malshej Ghat

Malshej Ghat is on the Kalyan- Ahmadnagar road near Mumbai, Pune. The nearest airports are Mumbai and Pune. It is 140 km from Mumbai and 126 km from Pune.

By Road

Malshej has very good road connectivity from Mumbai and Pune. From Mumbai, the road goes from Mumbai-Thane-Kalyan-Murbad-Malshej Ghat, and from Pune, the route is Pune-Chakan-Peth-Manchar-Junnar, and then to Malshej Ghat. State transport buses are available from Kalyan to Ahmadnagar. The state bus station is right next to Kalyan railway station, and you can catch any bus going towards Ahmadnagar. You will get a bus every half an hour to reach here.

By Train

Kalyan is the nearest railhead to reach the Malshej Ghat. From here, one can take local transportation to reach Malshej.

One who loves bike riding, it is an ideal option to reach. The roads from Murbad to Malshej have very scenic beauty and it’s a dream of every biker. It is like a dream come true for bikers. 

My Experience of Malshej Ghat Trip

This all started one day when my friend suddenly called me and discussed the need to get away from the pandemic world. We began scrolling through our phones to find a place free of COVID and with a minimum crowd. Malshej Ghat immediately came to mind, and as decided, we made a plan to explore this hidden gem of the Sahyadri. This is one of those places where my wife, my friend, and I traveled in his car. I usually prefer riding my bike, but my friend insisted on driving because he wanted to explore the beauty of Malshej.

The distance to Malshej was no less than 140 km for me, so we started around 9 am in the morning from Mumbai. The initial 50 km ride felt like a body massage for all of us. People from Mumbai and Kalyan might have gotten an idea about the road conditions from Mumbai to Kalyan and further from Kalyan to Murbad. Adventure comes after a long struggle, right? The drive from Murbad to Malshej was more adventurous than what we experienced from Kalyan to Murbad.

THIS IS THE GHAT ROAD TO DRIVE TILL THE TOP

The drive from Murbad to Malshej is truly stunning, as it takes you through a beautiful forest area. Along the route, you'll notice a towering pinnacle on the right side, which is none other than Bhairavgad Fort. With an open road, dense forests, your favorite music, and your loved one by your side, this journey can provide all the therapy you need..

LAST VIEWPOINT AT MALSHEJ GHAT ON WEEKEND

Malshej Ghat is a stunning destination known for its numerous shimmering waterfalls lining the roadside. It’s a great place for families, including small children, to enjoy memorable moments together. However, the winding roads characteristic of Malshej Ghat also make it one of the most dangerous ghats to drive on. Many lives have been lost here, so it’s essential to exercise caution while navigating these roads. A single mistake could lead to a serious accident, so it's wise to gather some basic information before your visit.

 

As you continue along the road, the scenery becomes even more breathtaking. Recently, railings have been installed at most viewpoints for safety, enhancing the experience for tourists. There is ample space along the roadside for vehicle parking. This road connects further to the districts of Ahmadnagar and Pune, and travelers often stop here to take in the beauty of nature.

 

The beauty and tranquility of Malshej Ghat are best appreciated in person, making a visit to this place truly unforgettable..

Malshej Ghat is famous for its numerous waterfalls and is a paradise for trekkers. Several trekking routes begin from this location, including Nane Ghat, Harishchandragad, and Ghatghar. During the monsoon season, Malshej Ghat is often enveloped in dense fog, resulting in low visibility.

 

In addition to its natural beauty, the area features small caves and a temple dedicated to Shiv and Ganesh at the end of the ghat. One unique attraction here is the "Car Wash Waterfall." Yes, you heard that right! At this point, located near the Ganesh temple, people often stop their cars briefly in the middle of the road to allow the waterfall's water to wash their vehicles.

 

Continuing along the route, you will encounter a single tunnel that leads to another viewpoint, which is a must-see attraction in the area..

HARISHCHANDRAGAD STANDING BEHIND THE VIEWPOINT

Some railings have been installed for safety purposes. This viewpoint has developed in such a way that people can sit and relax for a long time. This viewpoint provides picturesque views of the surrounding mountains. This is the last viewpoint of the Malshej Ghat and you can take a long photogenic break to capture the surrounding mountain in your lenses. You can find countless stalls of food sellers that offer Corn, Maggy, Tea, and some snacks at reasonable rates.

ONE CAN ENJOY THE SWEET CORN AND HOT MAGGY WITH THE WATERFALL VIEW

Malshej Ghat is a 12 km road that starts from Sawarne village and ends at the MTDC resort located at the end of the ghat. Accommodations are available at this valley-facing resort, which attracts hundreds of tourists, especially on weekends. An online booking option is available for those wishing to stay at the resort. However, we decided to make it a one-day trip and return home the same day.

 

Originally constructed for transportation purposes, the ghat has now become a popular tourist destination. It looks especially beautiful during the monsoon season when shimmering waterfalls cascade down onto the road. This stunning location is truly remarkable and should definitely be included in your bucket list..

Must-Visit Place in Malshej Ghat

Pimpalgaon Joga Dam

One of the exquisite beauties of the Malshej Ghat is Joga Dam. It is located at a distance of 2 km from the Malshej MTDC resort. One has to take the left from the Khubi Phata near Malshej to reach this destination. You can enjoy driving with the view of Joga Lake on the right side. The lake resides in the Pimpalgaon village, so it is called Pimpalgaon Joga Lake. You can witness the typically hidden gems of the local village of Maharashtra. While visiting Malshej, you must visit this place without fail. The charms of this place cannot be captured, but you can only feel them. It was a wonderful one-day trip for me.

DRIVING TO PIMPALGAON ROAD ALONG WITH THE VIEW OF JOGA DAM

JOGA LAKE VIEWPOINT WITH HARISHCHANDRAGAD

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Ideal Time to Visit Malshej Ghat

No doubt, Malshej can be visited throughout the season. Travelers who travel to Ahmadganar or Pune take a halt to explore Malshej Ghat on the way.

Monsoon is the ideal time to visit Malshej Ghat. You witness countless waterfalls while driving throughout this trail. You can stay at the MTDC resort here. One who loves to be wet throughout the day, this is the ideal place to visit.

The best time to visit is from October to March to enjoy a breathtaking view of the Dams, the Fort, and other sights surrounding the ghat. This is one of the seasons for camping lovers who love to explore lakeside camping with bonfires. The temperature in this season sometimes falls to below 15 degrees. You can also witness many trekkers trekking to the Harishchandra fort.

Summer is the season with fewer footfalls to the forts around Malshej. For one who wants to take a break from the hot and humid climate, it is an ideal place to stay. The stay can be done at the MTDC base resort for some peace and a chilled climate. 

Where to Stay While Visiting Malshej Ghat?

There are holiday resorts available at the start of the Malshej Ghat. The booking can be done online along with the food. MTDC resort at the top of Malshej also offers a stay to the visitors. The prices also vary from per economic room to deluxe room. There a very fewer number of stay options in Malshej. Otherwise, you need to drive 30 km further for your stay.

Things to Remember Before You Visit Malshej Ghat

• Always remember not to do rash driving while driving through the ghat road, one mistake of overtaking can take you close to your last breath. 
• Few viewpoints have been developed for tourist purposes; take a halt at only those places.
• There is no washroom availability on this road.
• There are one or two numbers of restaurants at the top of the Malshej Ghat to have your proper day meal.
• Do not litter the area around the viewpoints.
• Avoid visiting here in heavy rainfall.